Vermont Cheddar And Ale Soup Recipes

Steps:

• In butter sweat onion, carrots, celery and pepper over medium heat for 15 minutes, until soft. Add thyme, potato, and chicken stock; simmer until potato is soft, about 15 minutes. While this is simmering, make the roux: melt 1/2 cup butter over medium-low heat. Stir in flour, stir 5 minutes; do not brown. When potato is soft, whisk roux into pot; stir and allow to thicken. Add beer, continue to stir. Add milk; stir to combine; allow to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Add mustard, sauces, salt and pepper; taste to adjust seasonings. Whisk in cheddar, taste again. Do not allow soup to boil after adding cheese. Pour into bowls, topping each bowl with 2 tablespoons grated cheddar and a little fresh parsley.

Steps:

• Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks, carrot and celery and sauté until tender or about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for 3 minutes, making sure to cook the flour evenly.
• Add the chicken stock slowly, whisking to evenly combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• Puree the soup in a blender, food processor or with a handheld mixer. Strain into a clean saucepan. Bring to a simmer.
• Add the half-and-half, cheese, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted. Season to taste with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Keep warm.
• Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Saute the apple pieces until they start to turn golden brown and soft, about 3 minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a large tablespoon of the sauteed apple mixture.